The intent of this gazette is to share more about our Singapore MVPs, their accomplishments and vibrancy of their activities.

1. Driven by
Passion
Fueled by
Technology
SE Asia MVP Team proudly presents the Foreword by Lilian Quek
---------------------------- SE Asia Community Program Manager
SINGAPORE
On a global scale, there are a growing number of individuals sharing
MVPs’ GAZETTE their technical expertise, real world experience and general knowledge
---------------------------- of Microsoft © products with current and potential users. This is not just
Singapore MVPs‟ Gazette is a publication of being done in classrooms and industry trade events; rather it is being
the SE Asia MVP Team exclusively distributed done in Microsoft technical communities that encourage peer-to-peer
to Microsoft staff. The opinions and views in support of our products and technologies.
this gazette are those expressed by the
authors. All rights reserved. Social and technical communities are highly valuable to the people
who use Microsoft® technologies. Since the early 1990s, Microsoft has
The SE Asia MVP Team reserves the right to recognized the top contributors to these voluntary communities with
edit articles for length, clarity and style. For the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award. The program
enquiries/feedback, please email is a testament to the importance of the individual and their impact on
seamvp@microsoft.com Microsoft, our industry and our community.
----------------------------
Editor-in-Chief The MVP Award recognizes inspiring, trusted, and independent
Lilian Quek, Community Program Manager experts who voluntarily share their passion and knowledge of Microsoft
products with others. In Singapore, the members of this highly select
Editorial Consultants group come from all walks of life. Yet they have one thing in common:
Howard Lo, APGC Team Manager a deep commitment to their communities and willingness to share their
Clarisse Ng, MVP Program Specialist knowledge. The intent of this gazette is to share more about our
Singapore MVPs, their accomplishments and vibrancy of their
Contributors activities.
Achinta Chatterjee, Aloysius Cheang, Alex
Choo, Alvin Lau, David Lim, Jay-R Barrios, Jay MVPs also offer feedback to Microsoft, representing the voices of
Paloma, Jeffery Tay, Lee Wei Meng, thousands of people from technology communities across the world.
Loke Kit Kai, Lo Toong Yang, Mohd Nizam Ali, Explore the pages to read more about these outstanding individuals!
Maung Maung Phyo, Milton Tan, Michael Sync,
Razi Bin Rais, Riwut Libinuko, Sarbjit Singh If you are interested to learn more or see how you can work together
Gill, Sainath K.E.V, Shawn Toh, Tan Chee, with the Singapore MVPs, contact the SE Asia MVP Team
Tan Tian-An, Triston Wan, Wely Lau (seamvp@microsoft.com) for a discussion.

2. ACHINTA CHATTERJEE ALOYSIUS CHEANG ANDREW CHENG
Exchange Server MVP Consumer Security MVP Management Infrastructure MVP
“Being an MVP allows me to “Being an MVP serves to “Being an MVP allows
represents the voice, strength enrich one‟s experience in Microsoft to keep in touch
and value of the community, his area of work and in the with the community and
connects with customers and process of sharing, improve
provide companies with an
provides more value to the one‟s comprehension of his
technical expertise.” alternative to give their
marketplace.”
valuable feedbacks. “
ACHINTA CHATTERJEE is a Senior ALOYSIUS CHEANG is a Senior ANDREW CHENG is a certified
Consultant with an IT Services Information Technology (IT) executive instructor including where his
company. He leads large scale mission with extensive experience in managing experience covers a wide range like
critical Microsoft Exchange deployment and delivering direct business values in trainer, consultant, administrator,
and migration projects for government strategic, complex multi-million dollar IT network engineer and public speaker.
and corporate organizations. His key program and business projects for Andrew manages the Singapore
strength lies in designing, deploying and Global 500 organizations worldwide. He Windows User Group (SWUG). He also
troubleshooting High Availability has led numerous IT security audit, speaks frequently for Microsoft (TechNet
solutions for Microsoft Exchange security review and security penetration events, CTU events, Partner Readiness,
2007/2010. Achinta is one of the testing engagements, provided business Workshop).
community leaders of Singapore continuity management and disaster
MessagingTalk User Group (MTUG). Andrew says, “I would like to encourage
recovery services, and supported clients
people to become an MVP because it
in digital forensic and investigation.
JAY-R BARRIOS allows you to access NDA information
Setup & Deployment MVP Aloysius says, “I would like to encourage and discussion. With the product
all to participate in their respective experience, you are able to feedback
professional community and contribute and help Microsoft to produce a better
“Being an MVP has their technical knowledge as this will not product.”
provided me with lots of only augment the community knowledge
learning and sharing base and leave behind one‟s legacy, it JAY PALOMA
opportunities with fellow will also serve to enrich one‟s Enterprise Security MVP
MVPs around the world experience in his area of work and in the
which provide adequate
process of sharing, improve one‟s “Be passionate about
information, best
comprehension of his technical the technology and
practices and real-world
solutions.”
expertise.” share your knowledge
DAVID LIM
and experience and help
the technical community
JAY-R BARRIOS is a Singapore based Lync MVP grow and develop. Let
Filipino Technology consultant for an IT the community
company and is involved in a project experience be a reward
“Being anMVP gives
that is focusing on building and in itself!”
me more opportunities
delivering Windows 7 for a large number to promote Microsoft
of clients within Singapore. Jay-R is a Lync to others.” JAY PALOMA is working as a Technical
dynamic individual, who has a great Consultant at Microsoft Singapore,
passion for technology. specializing in infrastructure projects.
DAVID LIM is working at Sapientia During his spare time, Jay creates
Jay says, “ I would like to encourage
Holdings Pte Ltd as a Senior Consultant technical videos on Microsoft products
others to become an MVP because the
where he provides consultation service and technologies, sharing his knowledge
technical community needs more people
on Microsoft Unified Communication and passion with others. Jay feels that
with passion for technology who
(Voice), solution architect design, PoC, being a MVP gives industry recognition
dedicates in spending their spare time to
and pilot to customers. David as a technical expert, recognizes his
reach out and share their expertise
encourages one to become a MVP, “It effort and contributions to the
through blogging, forums and
can benefit the community with the community, and brings him a step closer
conducting/participating in technical
sharing of knowledge and experiences connecting with Microsoft and other
events to make technology easier for
from these Subject Matter Experts.” His MVPs.
everybody. His aspiration is to be more
involved in the community activities for aspiration for the Singapore technical Jay encourages one to become a MVP,
Microsoft Singapore. community is the hope that the “To become technology evangelists and
community becomes more open- contribute to the technical community!
minded.

3. LO TOONG YANG SAINATH K.E.V TAN CHEE
Dynamics CRM MVP Directory Services MVP Group Policy MVP
“The MVP award has “The MVP award ensures “The MVP award gives
been a great benefit as you are on top of me the extra motivation
it opens a channel for technology. It allows you to explore deeper into
me to communicate to participate in Beta the technology.”
with the product team, programs and provide
to receive first hand discussions with product
news from Microsoft team openly. It is always
and knowledge sharing an honor to be a MVP and TAN CHEE is working in NCS Pte Ltd
among MVPs.” its challenging to maintain as a Senior IT Consultant. He
the award.” handles the design and
LO TOONG YANG is working as a implementation of the Active
Technical Consultant at Arvato Systems Directory Domain for one of the
Singapore, whose responsibilities SAINATH K.E.V is working as an Singapore Largest IT Project -
include, customizing and providing value Infrastructure Technology Consultant for Schools SOE. Since year 2003
added services on Dynamics CRM to Avanade Asia Pte Ltd, providing during AD 2000, AD 2003 era till
fulfill client business process, helping homogeneous to heterogeneous today - ADDS 2008 R2, Tan Chee
sales team to configure specific CRM solutions to SME and large scale has been using domain GPO
system demo environment and Microsoft enterprise customers. With over 8 years methodology approach to manage his
SharePoint project implementation. of industry experience, he has expertise IT infrastructure.
on Active directory, Exchange
Toong Yang encourages one to become Tan Chee is also one of the
,SCOM,SCVMM, Microsoft Lync, App-V,
a MVP, “I believe the key element to WAIK technologies, win32 , C++ ,
community leaders who runs the
becoming a MVP lies in the passion and Device Driver programing. monthly Singapore Windows User
willingness to share.” His aspiration for Group (SWUG) meet-ups. He says,
the Singapore technical community is Sainath encourages one to become a “After many conversations with the
that that there will be more CRM MVPs MVP, “MVPs are independent experts local IT Pros, I realized that many are
in Southeast Asia because MVP is the who share their real world experience to not using GPO effectively yet. Thus,
volunteer army that supports the CRM the entire world at free of cost and I would carry on to share my
community. He also looks forward to Microsoft recognizes these experts and experience on how to use Group
have a CRM user group so that all can provide better, powerful tools and Policy to manage the IT
gather for a sharing session. support to the individuals to be more infrastructure; and love to see more
passionate about technology.” and more local IT Pro starts to use
TRISTON WAN GPO and use it effectively!”
Exchange Server MVP
MILTON TAN
Consumer Security MVP
“The MVP program is not just about gaining
popularity for individual. It is also about sharing
“I would like to encourage individuals who
knowledge, helping and motiving each other.”
are interested in computers and Microsoft
technology, to work towards being a
Microsoft MVP. The recognition I get, both
TRISTON WAN is working for a local establishment that online and in the real world will help gain
manages an extremely complex infrastructure for its customer people‟s assurance and confidence when
that comprises nearly 100,000 user accounts and mailboxes. working together.”
He manages the operations for the Messaging and MILTON TAN is a student studying IT and has a strong
Collaboration infrastructure to ensure the stability of the interest in technology, art and photography. He gained
messaging and collaboration related services. On top of that, recognition through a tech forum which he started at
he is also involved in on-going messaging related projects to www.GeekPolice.net – a site dedicated to helping PC users
ensure the smooth transition from engineering team to solve security and general computer related issues for free.
operation team. Triston would like to encourage others to He has an awesome team of about 10 tech enthusiasts who
become an MVP in order to make the Singapore technical voluntarily assist him in operating the site and together, they
communities more vibrant. have a free online malware removal school known as the
His aspiration for the Singapore Technical Community is to GeekPolice Academy.
grow MessagingTalk User Group into the best messaging user One thing he hopes to see locally is for more Singaporeans
group in Singapore as well as Southeast Asia! to get engaged in technology and to make use of the Internet
to connect and share their knowledge.

4. ALVIN LAU MAUNG MAUNG PHYO LOKE KIT KAI
ASP.NET/IIS MVP Visual Studio ALM MVP SharePoint Server MVP
“Being a MVP has “Being a MVP gives “Being a MVP has
opened up my network of industry recognition as opened up my network.
„helpline‟ to the an enthusiastic It not only helped
recognized and technical expert.” established solid
competent individuals.
relationships with other
Whenever I need some
local MVPs, Microsoft
expert opinions about
and other IT
products / technologies
practitioners, but also
which I‟m not familiar
MAUNG MAUNG PHYO is working at networking opportunities
with, my fellow
NCS as a solution architect whose with worldwide MVPs
„comrades‟ will rise to the
responsibilities include providing and the SharePoint
occasion and help provide
technical guidance and resolving product group.”
tips and advices.”
challenging issues - performance tuning,
security, server configuration, and more. LOKE KIT KAI is one of the first
ALVIN LAU is your average Joe in the
Maung Maung feels that being a MVP SharePoint MVPs awarded in Southeast
Application space and has 8 years of
gives industry recognition as an Asia. Currently Kit Kai works at
experience in terms of getting Microsoft
enthusiastic technical expert and brings Dimension Data as a Senior Consultant
solutions from concept to „delivery‟ mode.
him a step closer to the product team in the Professional Services group. Kit
He is working as a Solutions Consultant in
where he can provide feedback, learn Kai is involved in the Singapore .NET
Dimension Data and is involved in
about the product in-depth and be user group, (SGDOTNET) as well as
conjuring .NET solutions which fits for the
updated with the latest news. trying out new Microsoft products in a
business purposes of the customer. Alvin
mini lab established at home. Outside of
runs the Singapore .Net User Group
Maung Maung encourages one to SharePoint, Kit Kai‟s interests include
(SGDOTNET) together with a bunch of
become a MVP, “If you believe you have business intelligence, Search, Lync,
„passionates‟. His areas of interest
the passion to share what you know and Exchange, Forefront and for fun he is
currently resolve around SharePoint, SQL
willingness to help others overcome also a Xbox Gamer and hobbyist
Server (BI) and Azure (Cloud).
technical challenges.” photographer.
Alvin says, “The small geographical
His aspiration for the Singapore Connections within the MVP program
location of Singapore has made the local
developer community is to help them are valued by Kit Kai. “I can always
MVP community a very close and cohesive
understand how they can be better and count on my local network when I need
one, and we frequently organize our own
happier developers by leveraging advice outside my product
outings and gatherings.” His aspiration of
application lifecycle management competencies, as the MVP program
the local community, “A hotbed of
features available in the latest Visual recognizes people who are passionate
passionate and professional individuals
Studio ALM. (*grin* I am not selling VS and selfless that shares their knowledge
who‟re willing to share their experience
ALM here).” to anyone. MVPs support each other
and expertise.”
with their real life project experiences.”
His aspiration for the local technical
RAZI BIN RAIS community is to continue to grow as a
SharePoint Server MVP vibrant community, where ideas and
discussion continue to flow unhindered
by any business agendas.
“Being an MVP is both a privilege and a responsibility as
MVPs are always expected to stand out from the crowd and
demonstrate both technical excellences along strong
character towards leadership.”
RAZI BIN RAIS is working as a Global IT Architect for a US based company, where he leads a team of consultants to deliver
projects on the latest Microsoft products and technologies, including SharePoint Server 2010, Office 365, Azure and Windows
Phone 7. He is also a published author and a frequent speaker in conferences around the globe.
Razi says, “I always enjoy participating in Singapore technical communities as the landscape they provide to learn and share
your knowledge is amazing. From community technology update events to monthly user group meetings there are endless
opportunities to keep your-self updated on cutting edge Microsoft products and technologies and connect with practitioners from
the field.”

5. JEFFERY TAY RIWUT LIBINUKO SARBJIT SINGH GILL
ASP.NET/IIS MVP SharePoint Server MVP SharePoint Server MVP
“Being an MVP helps me “Being an MVP allows me “For my employer,
raise my profile and to join a wider community they can market
enabled me to gain first- network, gain more themselves as having
hand knowledge from exposure and provides a MVP as an
product groups so that I positive impact to both employee. For my
can make better and the community and my customers, they
more informed decisions personal career. “ know they will be
during my work. “ working with
someone who stands
RIWUT LIBINUKO is working as a out in the community,
JEFFERY TAY manages the SharePoint Architect in Crédit Agricole has deep knowledge
development team for all elearning CIB, the Corporate and Investment on Microsoft
services at the National University of Banking arm of the Crédit Agricole technology and close
Singapore. His team migrated NUS‟s Group. His responsibilities include relationship with the
Integrated Virtual Learning Environment ensuring consistent architecture design product team.”
from ASP.NET 2 to ASP.NET 4 and and quality for all SharePoint projects
implemented Windows Identity and safeguarding SharePoint production SARBJIT SINGH GILL leads Unify2's
Foundation for single sign on solutions; for Asia-Pacific and the headquarters in business in the Asia-Pacific region.
currently they‟re focusing on mobile France. He brings 7 years of experience Sarbjit brings 21 years of IT experience
development and data analytics. in SharePoint product and technologies, working with the Microsoft server and
demonstrating professionalism and communication platform. Prior to
Jeffery says, “I would definitely
integrity to his clients and delivered Unify2, Sarbjit led the Unified
encourage one to become an MVP as
solutions for different sectors of business. Communications initiative in Asia
good things are meant to be shared, and
Riwut was also the key person who Pacific for British Telecom. He
being a MVP is one of them, the more
helped drive success to Plasmedia presented BT‟s Microsoft UC initiatives
there are the merrier! His aspiration for
(Microsoft Gold Partner, Indonesia). to enterprise customers in Singapore,
the Singapore technical community,
“Work hard and be noticed so that you Riwut was also involved in many Korea and India. Sarbjit also speaks at
can be part of the big MVP family!” SharePoint forum discussions, writing Microsoft events regionally including
articles and code projects, contributing in TechEd, TechNet, MSDN, product
launches and customer/partner
WELY LAU various ways to the community.
initiatives.
Windows Azure MVP
MICHAEL SYNC
As an MVP, we are standing as individual Silverlight MVP
who are involved in community building and
knowledge sharing on certain expertise. We
“Being an MVP allows me to gain access to the early
learn and grow together with the community
builds of new products so that I can get familiar with it
members, and that's where we expand our
before the whole world does. Microsoft will give you
networking as well as experience.”
very good attention on your feedbacks.”
WELY LAU is working as a Solutions Architect, focusing
on Cloud Consultancy and Delivery, specifically on the
Windows Azure Platform in NCS Pte Ltd. He got excited
MICHAEL SYNC is working as a Solution Architect for Memolife
about Cloud Computing especially in Windows Azure
International IDA where his team is focus on developing Silverlight
Platform in 2010 and his expertise was successfully
and Windows Phone 7 games for brain training. Prior to his
switched to Windows Azure in late 2010.
award, he was also invited by the Product team to join
Wely says, “Being an MVP provides us with many WPF/Silverlight insider team to play around with early builds of
valuable benefits and opportunities such as channels to Silverlight and help provide feedbacks.
Microsoft product group, interactions with MVPs
Michael says, “The MVP award is given to those who wants to help
worldwide, access to limited CTP products etc. Of course
other people and you learn something new by helping others to
the most important thing is the spirit of sharing to
solve their problems. In return, people will appreciate and respect
community and I encourage one to become part of the
you for that. At the same time, you also build a good reputation for
MVP Award Program.“ His aspiration for the Singapore
yourself, make connections with people worldwide, get to engage
technical community is that we could become the most
with the Microsoft development team and participate in product
active, exciting, largest technical community, not only
group interactions to discuss about the technologies that you love
recognized in Southeast Asia, but all over the world!
with the people who created those technologies.”

6. ALEX CHOO LEE WEI-MENG SHAWN TOH
Windows Phone MVP Windows Phone Development MVP PowerPoint MVP
“After being an MVP, I “The MVP award has “Being a MVP has
started to give more brought me closer to the motivated me to
talks to the public on core development team continuously improve
Windows Phone. I have at Microsoft. Through my knowledge on
been approached by this program, I am able PowerPoint through
MS Singapore to to better understand why helping the community
promote Windows things are done certain and keeping in touch
Phone 7 which is a ways and how to help with the PowerPoint
whole new experience my customers succeed team.”
for me. I have also with Microsoft
made friends with other technologies.” SHAWN TOH is an undergraduate in
Singapore MVPs .” the National University of Singapore
(NUS). He is the founder of the
LEE WEI-MENG is a technologist and PowerPoint Heaven website and
ALEX CHOO is working in Hewlett
founder of Developer Learning Solutions - frequently works with other foreign
Packard as a Technical Specialist
a technology company specializing in PowerPoint communities (eg Korea‟s
dealing with ink cartridges for his
hands-on training on the latest mobile PowerPoint Expert Club and China‟s
company. During his free time, he would technologies. He has many years of
think of projects to improve the RapidPPT). He has been interviewed by
training experiences and his hands-on major media such as Forbes and The
production line yield and am also
approach to learning programming makes Straits Times Newspaper. He also
focused on safety as he is involved in
understanding the subject much easier doubles up as a freelance presentation
the ISO 14/18K team. Alex frequently
than reading books, tutorials, and consultant and conducts workshops and
surfs the web for new and interesting
documentations. Wei-Meng‟s key interest seminars for corporate and education
mobile devices. He also help users with lies in the use of mobile applications to
their Windows Phone problems and sectors.
improve the productivity of businesses.
updates them with the latest news in the Shawn says, “I would encourage anyone
Windows Phone arena in the Mobinauts Wei-Meng would like to encourage other with the knowledge and passion on any
forum. Apart from gadgets, Alex loves to people to become an MVP because the Microsoft related software to start off by
run and taking part in marathons. MVP award opens up new opportunities helping out on the Microsoft Forums as
that you would normally not be able to
Alex says, “I would encourage other obtain otherwise. He says, “Demonstrate
it is through the community, which
people to become an MVP. If I see ignited my interest in PowerPoint and
your passion for a particular technology led to the creation of PowerPoint
someone actively participating in
and go for it!” Heaven.”
technical communities and constantly
providing help to others, I feel that
he/she needs some recognition and with MOHD NIZAM ALI
this award, I believe one will feel more Xbox MVP
motivated to contribute even more.”
“Being an MVP allows me to gain insights
TAN TIAN-AN into facets of a global community building
Office System MVP program and has enabled me to interact with
Xbox MVPs from various regions.”
“The MVP program is a worthy recognition of
community participation and contribution. Being an MOHD NIZAM ALI is an avid Xbox gamer since the days of
MVP these past years, I have also grown in the first Xbox console. Started off as a moderator for the local
knowledge and have been encouraged to break new Xbox forum „Brotherhood of the Box‟, he subsequently moved
frontiers together with Microsoft and customers.” to an administrator role when he was employed in 2007 by
PlayWorks. Currently, he is working as a paralegal for a law
firm. Nizam has been helping to promote games through blogs
TAN TIAN-AN is a Training Portfolio Manager with Avantus
and social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter,
Training Pte Ltd, managing product based training sales. With
LinkedIn and MSN. He also write games reviews for TODAY
more than 9 years training experience behind him, he speaks
Newspaper.
frequently on a wide range of Microsoft Office topics at
Microsoft seminars and provides consultancy in solving Office Nizam says, “I would like to encourage people to come
problems. With helping others improve personal productivity as forward as I feel that they deserve to be recognized for their
a major life purpose, Tian-An also manages the Singapore efforts and for sharing and learning from like-minded peers,
Office User Group (SGOG) which deals with the wide range of which would in turn enhance their tools, vision and expertise
Office servers and client applications. frontiers together with Microsoft and customers.”

7. Fact 2:
Conducted 8 bi-annual
Community Technology
Update (CTUs) events since
Fact 1: 2007. Over 800 attendees Fact 3:
As of July 1st 2011, touched by Singapore MVPs Convened and
Singapore MVPs make through these engagements facilitated 576 user
up 20% (35 Singapore up to date group meetings since
MVPs) of the Southeast 2005, reaching out to
Asia MVP population over 14,400 attendees Fact 4:
up to date 8% of Singapore
MVPs (3 Singapore
MVPs) attended the
MVP Open Day @
Hyderabad, India in
2010
Singapore MVPs
Fact 5:
Fast Facts!
100% of Singapore MVPs
have presented at events,
participated in Microsoft
product launches,
conducted user groups, Fact 8…our very first
maintained and updated a 4 Singapore MVPs „bared‟ it all
technical blog/website to bring joy and laughter in the
Singapore MVP remix of the
APAC MOJO Dance for MGX in
2009
Fact 7:
Over 22% of Singapore MVPs
Fact 6: (~8 Singapore MVPs) have
participated in our annual MVP
Over 57% of Singapore
Global Summit @ Fact 9…our very first
MVPs (~20 Singapore MVPs) 7 Singapore MVPs climbed up the
Seattle/Bellevue since 2005
have participated in our Via Ferrata Wall – Asia‟s first and
quarterly Singapore MVP World‟s Tallest indoor rock climbing
roundtable session since 2005 wall (30 meters high) to form the
number „7‟ for the Windows 7
Launch

8. “All Work and No
Play Makes Jack a
Dull Boy”
Our fondest memories of the Singapore technical community are very much shaped by people and friendships,
the special moments and the memorable spaces that we have enjoyed. I am glad to say that the SE Asia MVP
Team is continuing to make special efforts to advance on all these fronts, to foster a much richer experience and
environment for our Singapore MVPs and their technical community. In particular, we continue to create more
social and informal activities that our technical community and local office can enjoy, and which foster greater
interaction, deeper friendships, strong networks and substantially, enhance the „buzz‟ within the technical
community. Check out some of our activities held over the past years and witness the vibrant and synergy of the
community!

9. Down on memory lane @ the MVP
roundtable sessions and MVP Global
Summit.

10. SINGAPORE MVPs GAZETTE
COPYRIGHTS 2011 MICROSOFT CORPORATION
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Email: seamvp@microsoft.com